Intrepid Storytelling

In this transformative episode, Shelise Ann Sola, host of the popular podcast and YouTube show Cults to Consciousness, opens up about her deeply personal faith transition and deconstruction from LDS Mormonism. Raised in a devout Mormon household and immersed in the cultural expectations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shelise spent years following rules, suppressing doubts, and striving to be the “perfect” member.

But beneath the surface, questions were growing—questions about doctrine, identity, purity culture, patriarchy, and the pressure to conform within a high-demand religious system. Shelise shares what it was really like to confront her faith crisis, unlearn fear-based teachings, navigate relationships during deconstruction, and rediscover her authentic self outside the LDS church.

This conversation dives into:

Religious trauma and recovery

Purity culture in Mormonism

Undoing indoctrination and reclaiming identity

Life after leaving high-control religion

Healing, empowerment, and conscious living

If you’re navigating your own faith transition, curious about the realities of Mormon deconstruction, or simply love powerful stories of courage and awakening, this episode is for you.

Follow Cults To Consciousness on YouTube: PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! https://www.youtube.com/@CultstoConsciousness

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This is a real-life comeback story you won’t forget. Once trapped in addiction and felony convictions, she hit rock bottom and checked herself into the Salvation Army—then did the work to completely transform her life. In this episode, we explore addiction recovery, life after prison, and how she defied the odds to become one of the most successful real estate agents in Seattle. If you believe in second chances, personal growth, and unstoppable resilience, this episode is for you.

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This is a shorter episode from the Intrepid Storytelling live event.

On February 6, 2023, Alicia Brown’s life was forever transformed when a ruptured brain aneurysm and stroke during surgery stole her ability to speak, write, spell, and function. In this powerful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, Alicia opens up about the month she spent in the hospital relearning the basics of life, from opening her left eye to taking her first steps toward independence again. Through pain, humility, and isolation, she discovered an unshakable resilience and a will to fight she never knew existed.

Join us as Alicia shares her inspirational recovery story—a testament to courage, hope, and the power of perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss.

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This gripping episode is Part 3 of a series that was started by Leila Culberson, who's story was told in Part 1 and Part 2 - Surviving The Unthinkable: A Mother's True Story Of Betrayal, Abuse, Fentanyl Loss, the Courage to Heal and Take Action. If you haven't listened to those episodes yet, head there first and come here for Part 3, Cash Nimmer-Culberson's True Story.

For years, one man controlled the story.

Behind closed doors, he was sexually abusing his children — a father exploiting power, silence, and fear. In public, he was spinning lies, manipulating perception, and rewriting history while his victims were left unheard and unprotected.

Until now.

In this episode, a teenage survivor speaks publicly for the first time about childhood sexual abuse, family betrayal, and the devastating impact of gaslighting when the abuser is believed and the children are not. He shares what it was like growing up in a home where truth was punished, silence was enforced, and manipulation masked itself as authority.

This is not a polished story.

It is the reality of what happens when abuse goes unchecked — and what it takes to reclaim your voice after years of being erased.

This episode is about:

Childhood sexual, physical & emotional abuse by a parent

The psychological damage of manipulation and gaslighting

The courage it takes to speak when the world already chose a side

Breaking generational cycles of abuse

Telling the truth when it costs you everything

This is not his father’s story anymore.

This is PART 2 of a 2 part series with Michelle Troll. Don't miss hearing her first episode where she talks about her experience escaping domestic violence and an ex-husband who went on to murder his next victim.

In this inspiring episode, Michelle Troll shares her courageous journey through years of unexplained symptoms, medical confusion, and the emotional fight to finally receive an accurate diagnosis: multiple sclerosis (MS). Michelle opens up about the frustration of not being believed, the fear of not knowing what was happening inside her body, and the life-changing moment everything finally made sense.

But Michelle’s story didn’t end with a diagnosis — it ignited a new purpose.

With fierce determination, she rebuilt her life through nutrition, strength training, and a commitment to pushing her body in healthy, empowering ways. What began as a fight for answers transformed into a passion for weightlifting, eventually leading her to compete in fitness competitions and inspire others living with chronic illness.

Listeners will learn about:

The challenges of seeking a diagnosis for invisible and unexplained symptoms

What it’s like to finally hear “you have multiple sclerosis”

How mindset, nutrition, and strength training became Michelle’s turning point

The journey from patient to MS warrior and competitive fitness athlete

Finding meaning, empowerment, and community after an MS diagnosis

This episode is perfect for those navigating chronic illness, searching for hope, or looking for a powerful reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t define you — but what you do next can change everything.

Email Michelle at [email protected]

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This is PART 1 of a 2 part series with Michelle Troll. Stay tuned for PART 2 where she talks about a shocking health diagnosis and her determination to overcome multiple sclerosis (MS)!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with survivor and advocate Michelle Troll as she courageously recounts her escape from domestic violence at the hands of James Joseph Cain — a man who would later go on to murder one of his next girlfriends. Michelle shares her raw, real, and emotional journey of trauma, manipulation, survival, and ultimately reclaiming her life after escaping a dangerous abuser.

Through her story, listeners will gain insight into the red flags of coercive control, the escalating patterns of domestic violence, the psychological grip of abuse, and the life-saving moment she found the strength to leave. Michelle’s testimony sheds light on the terrifying reality that many victims face and the critical importance of awareness, intervention, and support systems.

This episode is perfect for those seeking true crime survivor stories, domestic violence awareness, trauma recovery, empowerment, and real-life accounts of escaping abusive partners who escalate to lethal violence. Michelle’s voice stands as a beacon of hope for others trapped in silence — proving that survival is possible, and breaking free can save your life.

Find Michelle on: Michelle's Instagram

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In this powerful episode, author, humanitarian, and community advocate Larry J Snyder opens up about one of the most challenging chapters of his life—caring for his aging parents as they battled dementia. Known as a “hope dealer,” Larry has spent his life uplifting others, but nothing prepared him for the emotional, physical, and spiritual weight of watching the two people who shaped him slowly slip away.

Larry shares the raw truth of navigating dementia caregiving, from the heartbreaking moments to the unexpected blessings found in connection, patience, and love. He talks about the guilt, the grief, the impossible decisions, and the resilience required to keep showing up day after day. Through his story, listeners gain insight into family caregiving, eldercare challenges, Alzheimer’s and dementia realities, and the importance of hope, advocacy, and community support.

This is a conversation about legacy, compassion, and the courage it takes when the roles reverse—when we become the caregivers for the people who once cared for us. Larry’s story reminds us that even in the darkest chapters, there is still room for purpose, grace, and hope.

Contact Larry: [email protected]

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This is a shorter episode from the Intrepid Storytelling live event.

In this inspiring episode of Intrepid Storytelling, we meet Denise, a former elementary and middle school educator who transformed her life and career after surviving a near-fatal automobile accident in 2009. Her path from teaching to thriving in the mortgage industry is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and personal growth.

After enduring both physical and emotional challenges, Denise refused to let tragedy define her. With the help of unexpected allies, unwavering faith, and an unbreakable spirit, she rebuilt her life stronger than ever. Her story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope, healing, and purpose on the other side of adversity.

Tune in to hear how courage, community, and perseverance can turn unimaginable hardship into a story of triumph—and why Denise now believes that sometimes, life’s biggest detours lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.

Find Denise: Denise's Facebook

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In this inspiring episode of Intrepid Storytelling, I sit down with Sherilynn Hemphill, a true warrior who has faced and overcome unimaginable challenges. From battling cancer to enduring more than ten surgeries and living through two ileostomies, Sher’s journey is one of courage, faith, and unshakable resilience. Today, as a cancer survivor and proud ileostomy warrior, she shares her story with nearly 30,000 TikTok followers, inspiring others to embrace hope and strength through life’s hardest battles. Tune in as Sher reveals how she turned her pain into purpose, proving that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can rise, heal, and shine.

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In this powerful episode of Intrepid Storytelling, we follow the inspiring journey of Joanie Elisabeth who transformed deep childhood neglect into unshakable strength. Drawn for years to men with narcissistic traits, she found herself trapped in cycles of emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and self-doubt. But through courage, therapy, and radical self-awareness, she learned to recognize the red flags, break free from toxic relationships, and rebuild her identity from the inside out.

Now a thriving mental health and empowerment coach, she dedicates her life to helping other women heal from narcissistic abuse, reclaim their confidence, and step into their authentic power. This is a story of resilience, awakening, and freedom—a reminder that no matter where you come from, you can rewrite your story and rise resolutely fearless.

Contact Joanie: Wellness With Joanie

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